Community Health Worker Patient Visit Checklist

What a good one includes

• A pre-visit preparation section detailing safety protocols, patient history reviews, and the specific educational materials needed for the day.
• A culturally sensitive icebreaker or warm-up prompt to establish trust and assess the patient's immediate emotional state before diving into health assessments.
• A social determinants of health screening area to evaluate environmental safety, food security, and housing stability.
• A structured medical check-in covering vital signs, medication adherence, and upcoming specialist appointments.
• A collaborative goal-setting section where the patient and worker co-create two or three actionable health steps for the coming weeks.
• A clear post-visit checklist outlining documentation requirements, referral submissions, and the scheduled date for the next touchpoint.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Making the checklist too clinical and rigid, which can make the visit feel like an interrogation rather than a supportive, trust-building conversation.
• Forgetting to tailor the checklist to local language nuances and cultural beliefs, leading to misunderstandings or patient discomfort.
• Neglecting the social determinants of health, which often play a far larger role in a patient's well-being than physical symptoms alone.
• Failing to leave space for patient-led goals, resulting in action plans that the patient does not feel motivated or empowered to follow.

Frequently asked questions